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Sisters, Nicola and Lorraine Alonzi, co-founders of CrownCouture, Scotland’s biggest hair extension and hair piece supplier, have been shortlisted for two RBS Great British Entrepreneour Awards.

The team beat off some tough competition in order to make the regional shortlist for Small Business Entrepreneur and Family Business Entrepreneur of the Year, with over 1300 businesses entering the awards nationally across a range of categories. The story behind CrownCouture is truly inspiring. Co-founder Nikki started her modest hair extension business from her front room, with a dream of of becoming one of the UK’s top hair extension technicians.

Today, working in partnership with her sibling Lorraine, Nikki’s business has expanded tenfold. CrownCouture is now Scotland’s leading hair extension specialists and supplier of human hair extensions, and hair pieces. With a flagship salon and training academy in Edinburgh; an online shop; a list of celebrity clients; and hundreds of professional trade accounts, CrownCouture has undoubtedly become a main player in the UK hair extension industry. Now in its fifth year, the Royal Bank of Scotland Great British Entrepreneur Awards has celebrated some amazing entrepreneurs over the years, many of whom are now household names. Past winners include David Buttress of Just Eat, Julie Deane of The Cambridge Satchel Company, James Watt of BrewDog and Alexander Solomou of TheLADBible Group.

Nikki commenting on their success, “We are honored to have been shortlisted for two categories at this year’s GB Entrepreneur of the Year Awards. The road to success is not always smooth so to be recognised for your hard work and commitment is touching. If I were to offer advice to any other budding entrepreneur, it would be: Work Hard and Dream Big.”

Creator of the Awards, Francesca James, said: “We have been inundated with some incredible entries this year, and all shortlisted applicants should be extremely proud of themselves! This year has seen a record number of entrants and we’ve been absolutely blown away by the strength and diversity of applications.”

“We cannot wait to celebrate entrepreneurship across Great Britain with them, and put a spotlight on the incredible talent within the British entrepreneur ecosystem.” Gordon Merrylees, Head of Entrepreneurship at Royal Bank of Scotland said: “I want to thank all of the entrepreneurs who entered this year and congratulate those who have been shortlisted, I look forward to seeing them at the regional finals.”

“It is clear that entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well and Royal Bank of Scotland is thrilled to be able to support these awards to celebrate success with the businesses that are the lifeblood of the UK Economy as they start, scale and succeed.”

The Royal Bank of Scotland Great British Entrepreneur Awards will celebrate entrepreneurship across a number of categories at 5 gala finals across the UK, including; Cardiff, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Manchester & London. You can find more information about the awards and the ceremonies here: www.greatbritishentrepreneurawards.com.

Lorraine Alonzi, 0131 229 2128, info@crowncouture.co.uk

Business Women Scotland is an independent contract publishing and network company, delivering innovative and award-winning publications. We also run networking events and business masterclasses for women in business in Glasgow, Aberdeen and Edinburgh.